Books in Understanding the Paranormal series

Bigfoot, Nessie, and mermaids: what do these cryptids share in common? No matter how doubtful we are of their existence, a part of us persists in asking, "Could they be real?" With a skeptical tone, this title tracks the most popular cryptozoological creatures from their mythological origins to modern attempts to prove their existence. Scientific explanations-including archaeological records and alleged physical evidence-are presented and assessed. Regardless of their veracity, the place these beasts hold in television, movies, and books is a cherished one, and it merits a thorough investigation.

Hear abominable and you may well think disgusting, detestable, disagreeable. Hear snowman and you think adorable. But put the two words togetherAbominable Snowmanand you get a mystery. In this page-turner, students will read about people who claim to have seen the creatureeven to have preserved body parts. Yikes. Other people and groups included in this book aim to debunk what they see as baseless myths. Readers will learn about both views of the Abominable Snowman as well as other legendary beasts in this provocative and riveting account. They can then come to their own conclusions.

Belief in magic has been around since early human civilization. Whether ancient black magic or medieval witchcraft, practices believed to call upon supernatural forces are part of nearly every culture. Even in secular societies, stage magic and children's series such as Harry Potter hold a respected place as a form of entertainment. In this title, the history of magic-both paranormal and performative-is explored in all its facets. Readers will be introduced to magical practices and the science that explains many of them away.

For nearly a century, big-screen tales of zombies have fascinated viewers, shambling their way from horror films to action thrillers and comedies. In recent years, there have even been news reports of real zombie-like behavior. But few know the truth behind Haitian folklores biggest contribution to global imagination. These pages get to the bottom of the origins of the zombie legend and its changes and development over time. The possible sources of zombification, including tropical drugs and poisons, are examined, and real stories of zombies are debunked. Real or not, zombies have invaded pop culture and theres no escape.

For nearly a century, big-screen tales of zombies have fascinated viewers, shambling their way from horror films to action thrillers and comedies. In recent years, there have even been news reports of real zombie-like behavior. But few know the truth behind Haitian folklores biggest contribution to global imagination. These pages get to the bottom of the origins of the zombie legend and its changes and development over time. The possible sources of zombification, including tropical drugs and poisons, are examined, and real stories of zombies are debunked. Real or not, zombies have invaded pop culture and theres no escape.

Hear abominable and you may well think disgusting, detestable, disagreeable. Hear snowman and you think adorable. But put the two words togetherAbominable Snowmanand you get a mystery. In this page-turner, students will read about people who claim to have seen the creatureeven to have preserved body parts. Yikes. Other people and groups included in this book aim to debunk what they see as baseless myths. Readers will learn about both views of the Abominable Snowman as well as other legendary beasts in this provocative and riveting account. They can then come to their own conclusions.

This authoritative title takes an academic approach to one of the most popular religious concepts of all time-angels and demons. Included is an in-depth examination of the characteristics and source texts on angels and demons in the three major Abrahamic religions as well as parallels in Eastern traditions, as is treatment of how these beliefs have developed and changed historically. Following is a discussion of possible scientific explanations of these beings-and how science has debunked certain aspects of belief in them. Also covered is the pervasiveness of angels and demons in the arts, literature, and popular culture.

In the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, a popular belief system known as Spiritualism took the world by storm. People sought other realms of existence through mediums, séances, and other parapsychological means. While many of popular figures in the Spiritualist world were proven to be frauds, their practices have left their mark-in entertainment, in popular culture, and on true believers. This comprehensive title dives into the spirit world to separate fact from fiction and get to the bottom of ESP and other forms of parapsychology.

Whether or not you believe in them, the scientific investigation of ghosts is big business. Reality television shows that follow ghost hunters at work and the popularity of ghost tours in many U.S. cities prove that we are fascinated by the possibility that the dead may still be with us. This book examines evidence of the existence of ghosts and takes a critical look at what the scientific findings might actually mean. It also delves into the history of ghosts in cultures around the world and attempts to explain why the idea of being haunted by spirits of the dead continues to captivate us.

The Wicked Witch of the West's cackling threat, "I'll get you, my pretty. . ." from the Wizard of Oz might be as memorable and instantly recognizable as a witch's iconic pointy-hatted crone image. This volume delves into the stereotypical image of witches and their newts, caldrons, and headwear and investigates their historical origins. Historical fact and imaginative fiction are carefully sorted through, with reference to literature, films, and other forms of pop culture. Modern-day news stories and events remind readers that witches and witchcraft are by no means a thing of the past, though they are ripe for reappraisal.